Sept. 12, 2009
BRYAN - Texas A&M completed a tournament-record two-over-par 290 on Saturday to take a seven-stroke lead after the first round of the Mo Morial Invitational at Traditions Golf Club.
Saturday's second round was cancelled because of rain. Sunday's final round is scheduled for an 8 a.m. start.
A&M led Tulane by just one stroke with a handful of holes remaining when play was halted because of the weather Friday evening. The round was completed early Saturday with Tulane losing five shots to the Aggies on the par-4 17th. The Green Wave played the hole in six-over while the Aggies were one over.
The Aggies shattered the former tournament record of 294 set by A&M at Pebble Creek Country Club in 1998.
"The girls handled the weather situation well," A&M Coach Trelle McCombs said. "They just played steady and are very comfortable out there right now regardless of the conditions. They've done a great job of sticking to their game plan and that's a big key to playing this golf course. They have lot of confidence right now, but at the same time we know a seven stroke lead is not much."
A&M graduate student and true freshman Sarah Beth Davis share the individual lead after firing two-under 70s. Tulane's Janine Fellows is two strokes back in third place after a 72.
A&M Freshman Ashley Freeman is tied for 23rd after shooting a 78. Competing as individuals for A&M, freshman Kaitlin Hovda is tied for 30th (80), junior Lizzy Hovda is tied for 42nd (82).
Davis, the top-ranked senior in the state last year at St. Joseph's High School in Victoria, did not have a bogey in her first college round, finishing with 16 pars and two birdies.
"Sarah Beth is playing with lot of confidence right now," McCombs said. "She's one of those kids who just doesn't get in trouble on the course and the more confidence she gains, the better she will play. I'm not surprised with her play at all."
Boland, the top-ranked amateur in Australia, had four birdies and two bogeys in her A&M debut. She had four birdies in a five-hole stretch on Friday.
"Coming out this morning, Julia just kept making pars and giving herself chances," McCombs said. "She is a very consistent player and I was pleased with her round, especially under the conditions."